Poll

Opinion

According to Colorado Statute 30-5-112, the description for the county line between Clear Creek and Gilpin is simply: “Commencing at the junction of North and South Clear Creeks, and running thence up the dividing ridge between said streams, to the summit of the Snowy Range …” (more commonly known as the ridge extending between forks of North and South Clear Creek, and the summit of James Peak).

Having followed the unfolding saga taking place within the fire district, I can say this with certainty: I’m glad I’m not on the Fire Authority board. Talk about occupying a hot seat in the midst of a raging wildfire.

Having said that, I want to thank the board for dealing with the contentious issue about Fire Chief Kelly Babeon’s status in a transparent, professional manner.

In my last two columns I discussed the scope of the I-70 corridor problem as well as the single-solution mind-set of the Colorado Department of Transportation: widen and pave it. I hold to four contentions:

• For more than 97 percent of the time, the highway as it exists is more than adequate.

• For the remaining 2 to 3 percent of time, there is no on-ground solution.

• Expansion of the highway’s footprint is more than inimical to Clear Creek’s interests; it’s destructive to the community and environment.

In last week’s column, I explored the scope of the Interstate 70 corridor problem, holding that the rubber has met the road both metaphorically and literally in Clear Creek, and we’re at a crossroads. CDOT’s plan is simple: widening and laying asphalt; ours is to maintain and assure a vibrant, healthy and sustainable community.

I concluded with wondering whether Clear Creek remains a full-fledged partner in the decision-making process.

When I posed that to Commissioner Tim Mauck, he said he disagrees to a point.

It’s been inevitable Clear Creek arrive at the fork in the road that will have profound outcomes on the county in our lifetimes and beyond. Along with the lifespan of the Henderson operation, actions taken in context of the Interstate 70 corridor will have more impact on our community’s future than any other challenge: economically, socially, environmentally and more.

It’s an amazing thing when we see a business try to make things right. Mountain Corridor Constructors is trying to do just that with the offer for compensation for lost revenue to our businesses in Idaho Springs. Let’s hope that Mayor Hillman and the city council can respond in a positive way to its offer.

The Christmas season: The time when good boys and girls find delightful presents in their stockings. That might be happening elsewhere, but here in Clear Creek, the Grinch has stolen Christmas.

Dr. Seuss could’ve had the Colorado Department of Transportation in mind as a model for his creepy villain, given how CDOT muck-a-mucks must’ve decided the good citizens and merchants of Clear Creek have been naughty instead of being cooperative, supportive and patient stakeholders.

Since the 15th century when Tomas de Torquemada made his mark, his name has become synonymous with torture. Torquemada was a Dominican monk, quite pious, it is said, in his private life but fanatical in his public role. He was appointed by Spain’s Most Catholic Majesties Ferdinand II and Isabella I of Spain to head the Inquisition.

Torquemada was aptly named, in that torque means “to twist, turn, turn about, twist awry, and torture.” That is what he did to human bodies.

Many people complain to me that they find winter birding dull because there are no pretty birds around.

True, the winter residents at most feeders — pine siskins, chickadees, nuthatches, hairy and down woodpeckers, house sparrows, house finches, and the various forms of the dark-eyed junco — are mostly gray, brown, and black-and-white birds. Not very exciting or colorful, but still interesting.

The article on the greenway in Clear Creek Canyon was excellent; however, you failed to acknowledge the real individuals who made this happen. The Clear Creek Open Space Commission initiated and implemented this plan.

For the past several months, the world has been confronted with the horror of psychopaths beheading hostages. Decent men and women have decried the subhuman behavior by ISIS, the Islamic State. President Obama condemned the latest of five-to-date executions as “an act of pure evil by a terrorist group.”

One-hundred-fifty years ago on Nov. 29, 1864, American “soldiers” engaged in a similar atrocity, an act of barbarism that has become known as the Sand Creek Massacre.

Ennui: I have loved the word since my 11th-grade English class with Mr. Laurence. He was a stickler for vocabulary and was one of the teachers who stirred my imagination most when it comes to language.
I notice now, especially while doing crossword puzzles, my vocabulary recall slipping. Old age? Or perhaps lack of use? Perhaps both, but for some reason, ennui remains fresh.

If you’ve been reading my columns over the past several weeks, you might’ve noted one consistent refrain or mantra: “principled, pragmatic, problem-solving leadership.” One might call it the 3PRs.
3PR is a philosophical approach to dealing with our societal great issues: economic, environmental, social justice, et al.

The 2014 election is shaping up as a referendum on the Colorado electorate: Do we mean what we say when we claim we want pragmatic, principled, problem-solving leadership or are we just paying lip-service to that notion?

The death of Robin Williams has brought attention to the very serious nature of depression. It is difficult to comprehend how a person with millions of dollars, countless fans, and a string of successful movies and shows was unable to beat this condition.

OK, kids, er, young adults, you rock! From Scotland to Jeffco. From voting on secession and becoming an independent nation to exercising your First Amendment rights and demanding your right to a well-rounded education is fulfilled.